Shamrock Rovers had an extremely difficult night in Bulgaria as they fell to a 3-o defeat at the hands of Ludogorets.
A dogged Rovers side sat deep without the ball, in the hopes of containing the technically superior home side.
First leg defeat in Bulgaria pic.twitter.com/8fttQznAM1
— Shamrock Rovers FC ☘️ (@ShamrockRovers) July 19, 2022
Despite their best efforts, they were hit by a brace from Pieros Sotiriou within the opening 35 minutes.
Just like 12 months ago, it appeared Rovers would need to reverse a two-goal deficit at home.
They managed to claw that deficit back against Slovan Bratislava, only to bow out to a late winner.
To the dismay of the travelling support, a 94th minute goal was added by Thiago seems to have killed the tie for the reigning SSE Airtricity Premier Division champions.
🎟️ l A tough night but we'll regroup and go again next week in Tallaght 👊
There's no better place than a packed Tallaght Stadium on a European night and we'll need your support once again next Tuesday night ☘️
Come and get behind the boys for the return leg 🥁#RoversInEurope
— Shamrock Rovers FC ☘️ (@ShamrockRovers) July 19, 2022
The return fixture is in Tallaght next Tuesday, the 26th of July.
